In brief
Argentine President Javier Milei condemned Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a São Paulo rally, accusing him of theft and conviction. His remarks tainted Lula’s campaign in the looming October election. In response, Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina amid the diplomatic fallout, while Lula reiterated his commitment to lead independently. The episode heightens tension between the two South‑American neighbours and underscores the polarising political climate across the region.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei blasted Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a “thief” and a “convict” during a rally in São Paulo that opened Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign.
Without naming Lula directly, Milei attacked the Brazilian leader while standing beside Bolsonaro, adding that Bolsonaro was the only one capable of “stopping Lula”. The remarks came at a time when Brazil is preparing for a national election in October.
Brazil’s ministry of foreign affairs announced that it was recalling its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, in response to what it described as a grim affront to the country’s government, people and democracy.
In a statement posted later, Lula said he would continue to lead “without anyone’s interference”, stressing that Brazil would not tolerate “anyone sticking their nose where it does not belong”.
Milei had earlier attacked other high‑profile Brazilian figures, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him “bald trash”. That judge had earlier blocked Milei’s request to visit ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who has a 27‑year jail term for a coup attempt.
The incident illustrates the escalating diplomatic tension between Argentina and Brazil, each embroiled in internal political battles and a broader contest over regional influence.
